RFID

Radio frequency identification (RFID) systems generally consist of three components: an antenna and transceiver (often combined into a single device) and a transponder (the tag). The antenna transmits a signal that activates the transponder, which then transmits data back to the antenna. Because RFID does not require direct contact or line-of-sight scanning, RFID tags are replacing barcodes in many applications.

RFID technology is used in production, warehousing, retail etc. for localizing and tracing objects, but it can also be used for identifying, localizing and tracking people (eg. through smartcards, access badges etc.) in an RTLS solution.

There are different types of RFID tags: active and passive tags.

Passive tags: passive tags don't have an internal power supply and remain passive until they receive just enough energy from the RFID reader to send a signal. This signal is very weak and limits the reading distance of the tag to maximum a few metres.

Active tags: active tags do have an internal power supply (battery) which privides enough energy for the tag to send a signal to the reader. The signals are stronger which increases the reading distance considerably compared to passive tags up until a few hundred metres. Active tags can therefore also be used in difficult environments where metals or liquids are present. A specific type of tags can be used for condition monitoring to monitor temperature, humidity and CO2.

PHI DATA® is available to evaluate with you which RFID technology suits your application best. We work with leading hardware suppliers and provide the support to successfully implement your RFID solution. Contact us with your questions on RFID.